Chapter Twenty-One
_Facts: 1
"Hahaha... haha!"
I felt frustrated by Marianne's laughter, which made me frown, but my frowning only made her laugh harder.
"My Lady, I am truly sorry. It's just that My Lady has started to regain her health and her will to live, so everything feels different."
Her answer seemed reasonable to me. I looked at her and thought for a moment.
"I'm thinking of going. I'll discuss the matter with Raf."
"Are you thinking of meeting the Gentleman there?!"
I forgot for a second that Marianne didn't know Raphael's identity. I'm thinking of marrying this man, so I'll surely tell her one day anyway, but not now... I feigned doubt:
"I think he will come."
"As long as My Lady is going, I am sure he will show up."
Marianne laughed, which increased my confusion; perhaps she has a huge misunderstanding...
"Is Elliot at home?!"
"No... the Young Master will be late until tomorrow; work at the Imperial Palace is very heavy these days..."
"And the Marquis?!"
"As usual, he is staying out late these days."
"Alright.."
'Leaving will be safe, but I must make sure no one approaches the room. I don't go out at night often, and Marianne is usually at the mansion to prevent anyone from coming near. In the past, I was marginalized, so no one cared or noticed me except for Elliot, who used to get my news from Marianne. If he arrives early, he might discover my absence....'
'I found it!'
"Mary, get ready."
* * *
"The large expansions of the orphanage building have begun. It will include a specialized clinic for children and a school. I sent a letter to Mr. Lyndon regarding what you told me about the school, and he showed great welcome for the matter and has almost started the necessary preparations. Everything will be ready before next winter."
"And what is the public opinion on the matter?! Meer."
"The very conservatives accuse Your Majesty of blasphemy against the Temple and the state religion, but there are large movements that support Your Majesty, especially after the great correction movement Your Majesty is leading. Also, many articles say that the young Emperor of Cassian will move Cassian toward a new horizon."
"I feel truly flattered..."
Raphael laughed cheerfully and spoke as if it were nothing:
"Oh, yesterday I contacted Dr. Renon Theorban, as His Highness told me. I delivered your letter to him by hand, and when he read it, he was truly amazed. It seems he has signs of acceptance, but he certainly wants to appear important, so I believe his response will arrive within two days.."
"Good. Prevent any party from the Temple from reaching him until I receive his official response."
"And I have prepared everything you requested from me previously."
"Good."
"At Your Majesty's service."
He bowed, marking the end of his report...
"You can take the rest of the day to rest, Roalf, and send my regards to little Emily..."
Meer's jaw dropped when Raphael placed a somewhat small box and slid it toward him on the table with a smile.
Meer realized that Raphael had begun to change amazingly. His original personality hadn't disappeared, but he had become more rational, logical, and merciful. Aside from his firm and harsh actions with the corrupt and criminals, he began to act as a very just Emperor, making Meer realize something he had almost forgotten:
'Since that day six months ago, my master has been changing and becoming better. Is the credit due to Miss Silas?! I cannot judge before I see her with my own eyes...'
Meer took the box and opened it out of curiosity. It was a lovely golden hairclip in the shape of a ribbon, encrusted with pink crystals and featuring simple golden accents. The gift was beautiful, delicate, and very suitable for a noble child. Meer bowed deeply and thanked Raphael:
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
"I hope the child likes it."
Meer left the office, gripping the small box with both hands, feeling as happy as if he were the one who received the gift. It was an honor for any noble to receive a private gift from the Emperor, let alone a weak and sick child...
* * *
Raphael finished a number of important documents, then looked at the clock and remembered his appointment with Ariana. Then he remembered the face of his assistant, Meer Roalf, who had almost cried.
He didn't deny that when he heard of Emily's sixth birthday, he decided to give Meer a leave so the father could spend a beautiful day with his family. However, Ariana, with whom he shared his thoughts, advised him to give a beautiful gift to the child to make it a special birthday. She told him that children suffering from illness always have their lives threatened even if they take medications regularly, but she hopes to find a quick solution and suggested that he try some of his healing magic on the child, but they must read the specific signs of the illness first.
["If your healing magic is capable of saving these poor children."]
["Also, we can look for professional and loyal doctors to secure the manufacturing of a more effective medicine than the one monopolized by the Temple; perhaps we will find a loophole."]
The hairclip he sent wasn't just for decoration; the gold had been fused with magic stones, facilitating the crafting of magical tools. He had placed protection and healing magic on the clip and secured medical monitoring for the child to observe the progress of her condition. He had always poured his healing magic into Ariana, but after the incident with that child, he began—at Ariana's request—to secretly pour some healing magic for some children and commoners. Surprisingly, his condition was improving like never before.
In his few spare hours, he had read many books and some very secret records of his ancestors who tried to distance themselves slightly from the Temple; that protection and healing magic are types of pure magic that protect both the receiver and the caster. If the caster continues to pour offensive magic and killing intent, it might lighten the burden of distorted energy, but dark and distorted energy is very greedy, making the body produce more and more energy. Because healing magic was an obscure science in magic, and the priests claimed that protection and healing were the domain of holy power belonging only to the gods, a number of people—countable on one hand—were recorded as mages who mastered healing magic. But they disappeared, and no traces or hiding places were found for them, as if they were never born. Therefore, they rushed toward protection magic, which requires much more time, effort, and patience than regular magic, and its results are slower. As for offense and killing, it is faster and more effective. Thus, they took the shortcut: either killing and offense that cause madness, or seeking the help of the Temple, which over the years created puppets in the form of Empresses from prepared saints to be the sacrifices for the interests of the Empire on the surface and the interests of the Temple in secret...
Raphael decided not to take the shortcut and to start working harder. Ariana's treatment was very useful, and his health had improved significantly. He also found that treating others with small and medium injuries was very beneficial and did not cause him exhaustion; instead, he began to feel happier, especially when seeing Ariana's ecstatic face after the children and others were healed...
He looked back at the clock and found that he had spent a long time thinking, so he stood up quietly and rang a bell, after which Marshall entered.
"Tell Brian and Casper to get ready..."
"I've seen them in their positions for more than ten minutes."
"Good."
"Highness."
"Yes, Marshall?!"
"..."
"What is the matter?!"
Marshall went silent for a moment. He seemed hesitant, so Raphael urged him to speak:
"Why don't you take me with you?!..."
"Why do you want to go in the first place?!"
Raphael was puzzled by Marshall's strange response, so Marshall spoke with resentment:
"These two brats will come with Your Highness, and you won't take your loyal servant. I just want to meet the Lady..."
Raphael burst into laughter. Ever since Raphael declared his feelings to Marshall, the latter had become very sensitive to the matter and strongly desired to meet Ariana...
"I will make sure to invite Aya to the Spring Festival, rest assured... I must go."
"Sir...."
Splash...!!!
He didn't wait to hear Marshall's grumbling and departed instantly. Marshall grumbled but quietly arranged the office, and when he went out, he spoke to the guards:
"His Highness is very busy. Do not allow anyone to enter. You know the consequences of disobeying orders..."
"We follow the orders of the personal servant."
* * *
Escaping Marshall's grip was fun; he had become extremely sensitive and insistent on meeting Ariana. But I deliberately annoyed him—what occasion would I have for Ariana to meet him? It's not a problem for now...
I went to my room to prepare some suitable clothes, carried a few coins as usual, and teleported instantly to the place I agreed to move from with Brian and Casper...
"Your Majesty."
"Majesty the Emperor."
They were surprised by my arrival. When I adjusted my stance, I mounted the rented horse, and we set off...
There was excitement in Casper's personality; even the calm Brian became excited. Casper's honest excitement and feelings were truly contagious.
* * *
The sun was withdrawing and drawing the curtain of night over the capital. Although spring was at the door, the day was still short...
She had moved quietly through the usual crossroads, but they agreed not to meet in the same place often to avoid surveillance...
Marianne looked between her mistress, who was walking with steady steps, and the road leading to the market. She gripped her basket tightly to mimic Ariana's calm and relaxed steps.
"My Lady, is the Gentleman late?!"
"Raf isn't late. I just got a bit excited and set off before the appointment."
Ariana laughed softly and continued her calm walk. Marianne and Ariana raised their heads when they heard the neighing of horses...
The three horses approached them, and the men dismounted easily.
"Raf!"
The silver eyes smiled before the mouth upon hearing Ariana's excited voice. He approached her and bowed in an elegant and playful manner:
"Hello, ladies."
Ariana laughed and bowed gracefully and formally:
"Happy to meet you, sir."
After everyone exchanged greetings, Raphael remembered and looked at everyone, then at Marianne with embarrassment:
"We didn't bring the carriage, and I didn't expect you to come... so I was planning to carry Ariana on my horse... so, one of you help Marianne..."
"Sir, it's alright, I'll return to the pal—"
"Mary...! You're certainly joking with me."
Ariana's voice was disappointed, which made Marianne hesitate about returning, before the always-excited Casper spoke:
"Brian, help her."
Casper didn't care about the matter. Marianne approached the frustrated Brian's horse, and he lifted her onto it. Brian mounted after Marianne, and Casper mounted his horse, leaving only Raphael and Ariana.
Raphael looked at the hesitant Ariana, leaned in a bit, and whispered:
"Are you afraid?!"
"Sort of. I haven't been on a horse in my entire life."
"Don't worry, I am with you and I will never let you fall."
Raphael smiled at her encouragingly, which gave her some courage. Raphael easily lifted her onto his horse and mounted behind her...
* * *
They finally arrived at the crowded market as the moon rose high in the sky. They wandered a bit in the market, then Raphael looked at Ariana, who was walking and talking with Marianne with a beautiful face and a cheerful expression. Then he approached Casper and Brian.
"Take care of Miss Marianne until we return."
"As Your Highness commands."
Casper was the one who spoke. As for Brian, he felt frustrated but nodded submissively...
Raphael approached Ariana and gestured to her that it was time. Ariana looked at Marianne and said:
"Stay with Casper and Brian until Raf and I return from our short tour."
Marianne nodded with a happy smile, looked at Raphael and then at her mistress, and whispered:
"Enjoy your time. I will enjoy my tour and wait for your return quietly."
Ariana was puzzled, but Raphael laughed, took her hand, and said:
"We are late, let's go."
Ariana looked at them and then walked as Raphael pulled her.
'Is Marianne misunderstanding?!'
They continued their walk until they reached an alley in a dark corner. They entered it quietly, and at the end of the alley stood an ancient, worn-out door. Raphael pushed it gently, and they entered. Those inside looked at the two strange visitors with contrasting bodies and distinct presences. People then returned to their business. Raphael, after scanning the crowded tavern with his eyes, whispered in Ariana's ear:
"There is Ivan."
He signaled with his eyes to a place in a corner of the tavern. Ariana gripped Raphael's hand tightly, and they moved as one. She had visited many suspicious places before, but this place was particularly terrifying...
"Couldn't he find a cleaner place than this?!"
"There are many eyes on me, My Lady."
They had already reached Ivan's place. Despite her whisper, Ivan heard her words. She sighed and sat in the place Raphael gestured to near him...
They deliberately spoke in an informal manner, and Ivan was an expert in the commoners' way of speaking. The place was crowded, and it was the best way to disguise themselves.
"Speak."
The voice belonged to Ivan, who nudged the man standing near him. The man didn't bow or act respectfully, and this was exactly what was required:
"The High Priest sent knights from the Temple to investigate Martina Forest after the massive explosion that occurred there at the end of the year. As the commander told Silvano's knights, the magical power belonged to the Emperor...
Perhaps the Temple fears that confirming the news would increase the Emperor's influence; we are entering a fierce battle..
Duke Silvano also shows no activity during this period after the suppression his knights carried out in the northern part of Martina Forest. But there is a rumor I believe the Temple is spreading: the Emperor wants to remove Silvano...
The Guild Master believes it is a war for hegemony..
Never mind, the important thing is he believes there is a spy for the Temple among those close to His Majesty the Emperor, but things are not going smoothly."
Ariana looked secretly into Ivan's eyes, then Raphael spoke:
"And do you know who the spy is?!"
"It's difficult. The guild tried to investigate but to no avail... the price of the information would be exorbitant if I had it. What a loss..."
Raphael looked at Ivan, who nodded, meaning 'I will also look into the matter...'
"Continue.."
"There is news that the Temple suspects Cardinal Ivan Jerome of being a loyal follower of the Emperor... they are pursuing him..
And there are rumors being launched by the Temple through the mouths of the people: the Empire will sink into hell, the Emperor is betraying the will of the Ruler. Even if he didn't say the source is the Temple, it is clear. Are they laughing at our minds?! Are we children?! ..
Sir, this is my full report. Where is the money?!"
"You have done well..."
Ivan placed a large bag of money in the man's hand, who departed after receiving it. The three looked at each other, then Ivan spoke:
"I felt that they had realized the matter."
"It could be a problem; we will lose one of the most reliable sources in the Temple."
"I have gathered enough information, sir, but we must be more careful regarding the Lady currently. If..."
"If the Temple finds out about my involvement in saving the Emperor, they will try to target me, right?!"
"Certainly.."
"I will not let anyone get near you..."
When Raphael spoke with clear emotion, it made her smile warmly and pat his hand:
"I trust Raf very much... but we have to play with danger to bring down the Temple... let's sort the information first."
Ariana's face became cold and serious, making Ivan understand why Raphael relied on this woman so much:
'She is a terrifying woman...'
Ivan looked at them and then spoke quietly:
"The Temple has begun to realize the danger of the Emperor. The Duke is quiet, showing no hostility or loyalty to anyone, and this is very much like him. The Temple has realized who I belong to. Spreading rumors about the Ruler's anger... it seems they are planning something bad..."
"And the presence of a spy among my followers—who could it be?! Surely not Roalf..."
"No, it's not the Baron, Your Majesty... I monitored him; as you said Your Majesty, it isn't him."
"The time is not suitable for discussing a difficult topic. Let's start by reading the facts first..
That the Temple sees the Emperor as a threat was expected. Why is the Duke quiet? Do you expect him to join the Temple?!"
"Perhaps I am wrong, but I know that Silvano will never join the Temple.."
"And why do you believe that?! ..."
"Over the years, Silvano has had beliefs that the Temple conveys its own will, not the Ruler's will. Since the Temple entered power, they have been against it, and it was a severe battle. Silvano won at first, but the Temple returned strongly after the Imperial family was unable to handle the issue of the royal children's deaths, when the Temple intervened and found a solution to the problem. After that, the Temple began to rise over Cassian and dominate it..."
"If so, Silvano will not join the Temple. That is good. Silvano would be a powerful ally if we took them to our side, but how?!"
"Don't occupy your clever mind with that now; we must solve things one by one."
"..."
He spoke first in a gentle tone while patting the top of her head, then his face was covered in disgust and he said:
"But let's think—spreading the rumor of the Ruler's anger has a purpose! I feel that they might commit heinous things against the people in the name of the Ruler's anger."
"It's not unlikely. According to the secret records of the Temple, a large part was written about disciplining humans by justifying the use of artificial disasters and diseases.."
Ivan smiled and said dramatically:
"The Temple is evil. Why don't we use the last piece of information to our advantage, right My Lady?!"
...To be continued.....